Mon, 9th Mar, 2026 (part1) 48hr RV Thomas Burns Street carpark, Dunedin to Town Oval carpark free camp, Dunedin, NZ (Taieri Gorge train trip) (Sophia & Uncle John’s birthdays)

Heater on this morning - up for breakfast now it has reached 12 inside. Max of only 15 today! Will be putting on a few layers today. Been a few trains going by us during the night and again now.

Sent off a message to Fran to give Sophia a big cuddle from us for her 2^nd birthday - she is growing up so fast. Fran sent a photo of her ‘pony-tails’ - so cute.

It is also my Uncle John’s birthday, 98 today and also Tracy P’s birthday so sent off messages to them too.

Clear sky as we head to the overpass. Still couldn’t get a good photo of the station - one half is in shadow. 

Missed this one yesterday.

Took some more photos of the beautiful tiling in the railway station while we waited to check in.

Checked in and found our 1930s carriage ‘S’ (appropriate for us) which is the last in the line-up.

We found our seat with a table and met a young couple from Melbourne who we are sharing the table with.

We are facing backwards but we can get up and move about. We are allowed to go out onto the open platform to look and take photos while we are moving which is great. On the way back we swap sides of the train for a different view which is great. Chatted with the others that we will swap with later.

Off we go - passed our camper.

As we left Dunedin I went outside for a couple of photos.

Through our first tunnel, 2.1km long. Great commentary as we travelled along enjoying the ride and the views. We will travel through 10 tunnels, over bridges and viaducts marvelling at the engineering skills and alongside the Taieri River Gorge.

Lots of hand-planted pine trees along here.

Over the first viaduct which is the most famous one - Wingatui Viaduct. It was completed in 1887 to span the Wingatui Gully and one of the first major iron viaducts in NZ. Over 190m long and 30m high and was manufactured in Dunedin.

Don’t look down! Then the view back to it.

First view of the Taieri River as we make our way up the gorge.

Looking back to the viaduct we went over.

More views as we meandered along. I should have taken a note book as I can’t remember a lot of the commentary about the people living here now and in the past.

Tried to get a photo as we headed into a tunnel then Mt Allen siding.

More river views then over another bridge - this one is spanning a water way.

Another bridge over Christmas Creek. Good curve in the line so I can get the front of the train. The creek was named by a chap who found gold here on Christmas Day in 1863. It was the last significant fold find in the Central Otago area.

Only two bridges in NZ that take both rail and vehicles and they are both on this line.

Gorge narrows here. View from the back landing. I was still out there when we went over a smaller viaduct.

Over another bridge with this small creek below us.

Deep Stream Viaduct comes into view.

We stopped here so we can walk over the viaduct. A viaduct is a specialised bridge - long, elevated structure with arches or columns over low-lying terrain. A bridge typically spans a single obstacle like water as in creek/river. Hats off to the pioneers who came up here with their bullock wagons to find gold etc.

Someone pointed out some goats up the hill. We could see 5 up on the ledges.

Halfway across - looking down the creek to where it flows into the Taieri River.

Made it across.

A flock of white geese flew over. Everyone is across so now for the train.

Back on board and we continued on. Another viaduct comes into view with the other sections before it then the tunnel after it. People with kids lived here while they built the three sections and viaduct - even had a school.

Looking up another gorge then another viaduct comes into view. Wow what an engineering achievement this is with all the railway line’s bridges, viaducts and tunnels.

Out of the gorge into mostly flat land with lots of rocks.

Stopped at Pukerangi where there were locals with goods for sale under the big trees. Nice view around here.

We walked over and found lots of information boards too.

The engine was turned around and went to the other end of the carriages so we are now in the lead carriage.

More info in the little station room. Interesting safety precaution put in with the Tablet idea.

We had brought our lunch etc so ate that as we headed back enjoying the views from the other side of the carriage.

Another big job in this country - telegraph/power lines and fencing.

More lovely views. This bunch of trees were planted by school children, I think.

Back to the amazing Viaduct view.

Views down as we travel over the 3 part one I took photos of before.

Got a tunnel entrance then as we enter.

Across the viaduct with the view below.

View back to the triple one I just took photos from. Impressive engineering.

Lovely views as we continue back.

View of Deep Stream bridge then over it. No walk this time.

Big hill, landslides and some old wagons - can’t remember the story about them, nothing too bad.

Lots of rapids and lots of flax growing here too.

Balancing split rock.

Got photos of Hindon Siding this time pass.

Then the road/rail bridge and tunnel.

Little Mt Allan siding and viaduct.

Walked out onto the landing as we crossed over the viaduct. Much noisier than inside the carriage and lots of diesel smoke too. Into the tunnel and out the other side.

The view is on the other side now.

Out of the gorge to the open farming area then passed Wingatui Station.

Someone is building a real log cabin.

Very interesting trip and fabulous views. Great time chatting with people too. Definitely a great trip to do - will check if Malcolm & Kerry are doing it as part of their ‘train’ tour soon.

Said bye to the others and headed back out of the station Still dark and gloomy here.

2.30pm Back to the camper for a cuppa just before the rain started.